Construction Engineering Technologies at Texas A&M University-College Station

Texas A&M's construction engineering technology program gets graduates into the workforce at strong starting salaries—$77,799 puts them at the 75th percentile nationally and comfortably ahead of the state median. While it ranks 60th percentile among Texas programs, that context is somewhat misleading: with only seven schools offering this degree in Texas, A&M is essentially second-best behind Texas State's $76,646. The debt load of $20,500 is notably lower than both state and national medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.26 that most programs would envy.

The 17% earnings growth to $91,097 by year four suggests graduates are developing marketable skills that translate to career progression. Given Texas's booming construction sector, these earnings trajectories should remain stable. The combination of strong starting pay, manageable debt, and consistent growth makes this program particularly attractive compared to programs at less selective institutions that might charge similar amounts but deliver weaker outcomes.

For a student interested in the construction industry who can handle A&M's academic rigor, this program offers excellent value. The debt can typically be paid off in under a year of work, and starting salaries in the high $70s provide immediate financial stability. This is exactly the kind of outcome anxious parents should look for: a clear path to a well-paying career without burdensome debt.